Dear Editor,

I couldn't agree more with Bob Groeneveld: the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas and his black Peter should get our collective knickers in a knot [White guy...black slave...racist?, Nov. 27 Odd Thoughts, Langley Advance].

It's discriminatory and insensitive. But then, I also think Santa's elves are hard done by. Just because they're small and appear to enjoy their forced labour conditions doesn't mean we should condone dwarf-abuse and slavery.

And what about the ghosts, ghouls and living dead that get trotted out each Halloween just for the fun of it? Doesn't the spirit world deserve respect?

It's time to drop all of these "celebrations" for something more positive. Happy Festivus.

Pim Schon, Langley

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